The Cleveland Browns were blown out by their AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, dropping their record to a hapless 3-12. The directionless Browns have now lost four consecutive contests. They're looking forward to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Browns are currently slated to possess the No. 5 overall selection. If they miss out on an opportunity to draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, they may have to go the veteran route, opting for somebody like Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins to replace Deshaun Watson. With that scenario in mind, we've conducted a seven-round mock draft.
Round 1 (No. 5 overall): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is among the most dominant overall prospects in the draft. If the Browns don't end up with a quarterback, getting a blue-chipper like Graham would represent quite the consolation prize. Graham possesses an extremely disruptive skill set. Pairing him with Myles Garrett would allow the Browns to pressure opposing quarterbacks while rushing four and dropping seven.
Round 2 (No. 36 overall): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Nick Chubb is back on season-ending IR with an injury after previously suffering torn ACL and MCL injuries in 2023. Chubb is in a contract year and unfortunately won't be back with the Browns in 2025. I expect general manager Andrew Berry to address the position with an aggressive mindset. Iowa's Kaleb Johnson is a first-round talent. Johnson is a decisive, punishing runner with pass-catching upside, too. He projects as a three-down workhorse.
Round 3 (No. 67 overall): Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
The Browns have played musical chairs at the offensive tackle position this season. They benched Jedrick Wills Jr., who was playing on an expiring contract. Dawand Jones moved from right to left tackle before suffering a season-ending injury. Jack Conklin is also a potential cap casualty. Berry will be addressing tackle at some point during the draft. Wisconsin's Jack Nelson is an experienced blocker as a four-year starter, spending three consecutive seasons as the blindside protector.
Round 3 (No. 93 overall): Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
The Browns traded Za'Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions earlier this season. Garrett is an absolute superstar at EDGE, but Smith still ranks second on the team in sacks despite departing in early November. The Browns prefer big, powerful linemen. Oregon's Jordan Burch checks those boxes through burst, power, and linear explosion.
Round 4 (No. 103 overall): Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Jerry Jeudy is playing like a legitimate go-to receiver, but trading Amari Cooper midseason created a long-term need. The next starting quarterback would appreciate a weapon on the perimeter with sure hands and a go-get-it mentality. Pat Bryant is a towering receiver who dominates at the catch point. Bryant is a physical route-runner and a well-rounded playmaker.
Round 5 (No. 166 overall): Cam Jackson, NT, Florida
The Browns could use a big-bodied run-stuffer up the middle to play rotational snaps next season. Jim Schwartz's defense is allowing nearly 130 rushing yards per contest with just two games left. Cam Jackson routinely gains backfield penetration through power, quickness, and a red-hot motor. The 340-pound Jackson racked up 37 tackles throughout 2024.
Round 6 (No. 180 overall): Miles Frazier, IOL, LSU
The Browns need to start thinking about the future of their interior offensive line. The trio of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic are all scheduled to enter contract years in 2025. A good GM addresses this problem before it becomes a front-facing one. LSU's Miles Frazier is versatile enough to play multiple positions inside. Frazier pairs power with first-step quickness.
Round 6 (No. 187 overall): Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
The aging Dustin Hopkins will not be returning to the Browns next season. He’s an extremely disappointing 16 of 25 this year. Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald is a draftable kicker. He’ll be in Mobile at the premier pre-draft all-star event after converting a perfect 13-of-13 this year, including a long of 59.
Round 6 (No. 205 overall): Rayuan Lane III, DB, Navy
You can never have enough defensive back depth. Navy safety Rayuan Lane III recently accepted his invite to this year's Senior Bowl. Lane III enjoyed a terrific campaign, accumulating 66 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions.
